People, Jun. 23, 1980

The audience watching the new show, A Cure by Laughter, at the Old Moscow Circus already suspects what "doctor" from outer space is going to pop out of that tiny spaceship landing in the single ring, and their delight is tangible. Sure enough, what emerges is no astronaut, considering the oversize checkered cap perched on unruly shocks of blond hair, black velvet jacket, red scarf, clodhopper shoes and, of course, trademark potato nose. After 30 years with the circus, Oleg Popov, 49, is regarded as the king of clowns even beyond Soviet borders....

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